Not too long ago I was intrigued to learn that frequent Sonic visitors receive cell phone messages informing them about specials designed just for them.  So it didn't surprise me when I started hearing about "mobile giving."

As more people use text messaging, the concept of using mobile phones allow donors to make donations seems logical, if a bit jarring to those us us in the nonprofit sector who are still catching up on technology social networking applications to our work.

But rest assured, mobile giving is not just headed our way--it's here.  One othe earliest uses was an m-Qube partnerhip with US wireless carriers after the Katrina and Asian Pacific tsunami.  Mobile giving allowed people to make small donations through their mobile devices, with the donations going through their regular carrier billing system. It was also used by the United Way during the Super Bowl to encourage donations to their Youth Fitness Program. 

Now there is a nonprofit set up to remove some of the barriers needed to make this easy, cost effective and accessible for other causes.  The Mobile Giving Foundation also lists PBS as one of its clients.  Read an interview with founder, Jim Manis.

And, since this organization has been set up as a nonprofit, you can donate to their work.  And what's on their donation page? A form that asks for your cell phone number, of course. 

 

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